Mechanical Engineer​/Operator-Fitter; Rail Track Grinding Machines

Position: Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines)
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter to join our team, working on rail grinding machines across the UK. This role involves working within a team of 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail track grinding trains to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a dirty and physically demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home).

Applicants must have a strong background in heavy industrial maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance and Operation :

Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines in line with operational requirements.

Perform daily maintenance duties, including changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and addressing accumulated dirt behind grinders.

Operate the grinding machinery safely and effectively, adhering to the operational procedures.

Safety & Compliance :

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.

Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.

Serve as 2nd man / fire watch during grinding operations.

Additional Responsibilities :

Undertake general maintenance, including chipping and blowing.

Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as needed.

Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience :

• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering.
• Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance, such as agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting.
• Hydraulics and pneumatics experience is highly desirable.
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Comfortable working in a dirty, hands-on role involving heavy machinery.
• Flexible with travel requirements (up to 3 weeks away per month).
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations.

Starting Salary and Package

£43,000 (Level
1) then goes to £48,000 on passing probation
2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £7,200 annually in April and Sept
Working away allowance: £45 per night c £9,000 annually
OTE after 2 years = c £70,000

Must Haves

• NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
• FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE
• CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
• ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL
• BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES
• ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME

Working Away Rota

3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)
5 weeks' annual leave on top (18 weeks' leave in total).

Work Schedule & Shift Patterns

6 days on, 1 day off while away, when working a 4-night shift pattern, you will be given 2 days off.
You will be working 280 hours over 8 weeks.
You will be provided with a detailed monthly rota, but flexibility is essential.

Travel

Extensive travel across the UK.

Housing & Lodging

Lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels, with breakfast included and the working away allowance of £45 per night.

Holiday & Time Off

34 days' annual leave (including bank holidays).
Accrue additional time when working away, with the potential for up to 13 extra weeks of time off annually, depending on shift patterns.
Paid overtime is available for home-based weeks, paid at a flat rate.

Additional Benefits

• The use of a company van and fuel card when needed.
• Life assurance and health care cash plan.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme for well-being.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options.

Training & Progression

Full training will be provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack‑away for operation.
Progression opportunities include advancing from Level 1 to Level 3, with the chance to increase salary significantly within two years.
Opportunities for further progression include training to become a train operator, which requires a psychometric test.

Work Environment

You will work in a close‑knit team of engineers, building long‑lasting relationships.
The work involves being on boardrail grinding machines, sometimes working in dirty and dusty conditions.
You will have access to a "comfort carriages" on the trains, providing facilities such as breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and a manager’s office.

Application

We prioritise your safety, providing full protective gear, including air‑supplied masks and safety boots. To apply for this role, please send your CV to #Sam through the link, and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview.

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